Make an emotional connection with readers. That's what I tell the writers I edit. Make an emotional connection with readers and they will read every word of your story, and remember it forever. How it made them feel (with the word feel italicized). You could teach the master class. As Joan Didion said in the opening line of "The White Album": "We tell ourselves stories in order to live."
Thank you so much, Vernon. I appreciate your kind words more than you know. I also have enjoyed our conversations about the craft of writing and your guidance on articles I've written.
What a heartbreaking, but beautifully written, story, Lanier. I’m sorry that your father was never able to face his demons so that he could try to repair his relationships with you, your mother and your brothers. You were so strong to not abandon him as he had abandoned you. I hope you eventually realized that his weakness was rooted in his own personal trauma and not in y’all. I did not know, or had forgotten, that he had bone cancer.
Thank you Lanier. This is beautiful and so heartbreaking. Holding those two at the same time is not something we humans often do well. You have it mastered. Unconditional love my dear. Unconditional love.
Make an emotional connection with readers. That's what I tell the writers I edit. Make an emotional connection with readers and they will read every word of your story, and remember it forever. How it made them feel (with the word feel italicized). You could teach the master class. As Joan Didion said in the opening line of "The White Album": "We tell ourselves stories in order to live."
Thank you so much, Vernon. I appreciate your kind words more than you know. I also have enjoyed our conversations about the craft of writing and your guidance on articles I've written.
This is so beautiful Lanier… tragically beautiful in its honesty.
Thank you, Nancy!
What a heartbreaking, but beautifully written, story, Lanier. I’m sorry that your father was never able to face his demons so that he could try to repair his relationships with you, your mother and your brothers. You were so strong to not abandon him as he had abandoned you. I hope you eventually realized that his weakness was rooted in his own personal trauma and not in y’all. I did not know, or had forgotten, that he had bone cancer.
Thank you so much, Dorothy. ❤️
Wow!! I’m beyond moved by your writing!
Thanks for taking the time to read, my friend.
Thank you Lanier. This is beautiful and so heartbreaking. Holding those two at the same time is not something we humans often do well. You have it mastered. Unconditional love my dear. Unconditional love.
Searing, heartbreaking, transcendent.
Such an honest and thoughtful piece…
Susan
Thank you for sharing your story. It will help so many people accross the globe
Every beautiful word, Lanier. Wrenching and exquisite writing. Love you xo
The lady two likes hit in the gut. Beautiful, poignant writing. I can’t wait to read this memoir, Lanier.